Awareness Of Tuberculosis Research Articles

Towards tuberculosis elimination: an action framework for low-incidence countries.

This paper describes an action framework for countries with low tuberculosis (TB) incidence (<100 TB cases per million population) that are striving for TB elimination. The framework sets out priority interventions required for these countries to progress first towards “pre-elimination” (<10 cases per million) and eventually the elimination of TB as a public health problem (less than one case per million). TB epidemiology in most low-incidence countries is characterised by a low rate of transmission in the general population, occasional outbreaks, a majority of TB cases generated from progression of latent TB infection (LTBI) rather than local transmission, concentration to certain vulnerable and hard-to-reach risk groups, and challenges posed by cross-border migration. Common health system challenges are that political commitment, funding, clinical expertise and general awareness of TB diminishes as TB incidence falls. The framework presents a tailored response to these challenges, grouped into eight priority action areas: 1) ensure political commitment, funding and stewardship for planning and essential services; 2) address the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups; 3) address special needs of migrants and cross-border issues; 4) undertake screening for active TB and LTBI in TB contacts and selected high-risk groups, and provide appropriate treatment; 5) optimise the prevention and care of drug-resistant TB; 6) ensure continued surveillance, programme monitoring and evaluation and case-based data management; 7) invest in research and new tools; and 8) support global TB prevention, care and control. The overall approach needs to be multisectorial, focusing on equitable access to high-quality diagnosis and care, and on addressing the social determinants of TB. Because of increasing globalisation and population mobility, the response needs to have both national and global dimensions.

Screening for tuberculosis and testing for human immunodeficiency virus in Zambian prisons.

ObjectiveTo improve the Zambia Prisons Service’s implementation of tuberculosis screening and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.MethodsFor both tuberculosis and HIV, we implemented mass screening of inmates and community-based screening of those residing in encampments adjacent to prisons. We also established routine systems – with inmates as peer educators – for the screening of newly entered or symptomatic inmates. We improved infection control measures, increased diagnostic capacity and promoted awareness of tuberculosis in Zambia’s prisons.FindingsIn a period of 9 months, we screened 7638 individuals and diagnosed 409 new patients with tuberculosis. We tested 4879 individuals for HIV and diagnosed 564 cases of infection. An additional 625 individuals had previously been found to be HIV-positive. Including those already on tuberculosis treatment at the time of screening, the prevalence of tuberculosis recorded in the prisons and adjacent encampments – 6.4% (6428/100 000) – is 18 times the national prevalence estimate of 0.35%. Overall, 22.9% of the inmates and 13.8% of the encampment residents were HIV-positive.ConclusionBoth tuberculosis and HIV infection are common within Zambian prisons. We enhanced tuberculosis screening and improved the detection of tuberculosis and HIV in this setting. Our observations should be useful in the development of prison-based programmes for tuberculosis and HIV elsewhere.

Survey of tuberculosis knowledge awareness rate among young residents in Guangxi

Objective To enhance residents′ tuberculosis awareness rate of prevention and treatment in Guangxi, and provide evidence for health education and citizen′s awareness of tuberculosis prevention. Methods A total of 735 young urban and rural residents in Guangxi were investigated by awareness rate of tuberculosis prevention and control knowledge questionnaire. Results Tuberculosis disease awareness rate was 96.2%(707/735)in Guangxi, that of 78.6% (556/707) residents had the awareness rate of tuberculosis spread, 57.4%(406/707) knew policy for free tuberculosis treatment and 43.3%(306/707) of residents understood tuberculosis could heal. The rural group awareness rate was lower than county residents for tuberculosis spread and free treatment policy (χ2=4.992, 5.786, respectively; P<0.05). Conclusions The awareness rate of tuberculosis′ prevention and treatment knowledge is lower than the national average, so it should strengthen the prevention and propaganda of tuberculosis. Key words: Tuberculosis; Knowledge; Young resident; Data collection

Awareness of tuberculosis among general patients of a tertiary-care hospital in Kollam, Kerala

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in India since centuries. The general public do not have adequate knowledge about TB. The patients also conceal the disease from family, relatives, and friends owing to the stigma attached to it. Objective: To identify the knowledge and awareness regarding various variables of TB among patients attending general medicine outpatient department of a tertiary-care hospital in Kollam, Kerala, and to associate the awareness level with their literacy status. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study done among patients attending general medicine outpatient department of a tertiary-care hospital in Kollam, Kerala. The study tool was a predesigned and pretested schedule, containing close-ended questions. The sample size was calculated as 400. The sampling technique was systematic random sampling. Informed verbal consent was taken. The study technique was exit interview. Data were entered in MS Excel and analyzed by the statistical package SPSS software, version 16.0. The X2-test was applied. Result: About 80% of the study population was aware of the infectious etiology of TB. About 43.75% thought it affects all ages. The source of knowledge was mostly from the family (49.5%). Around 60% considered cough as an important symptom. Only 13.75% subjects knew about directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) center. The literacy status showed a significant influence on awareness level of TB. Conclusion: The awareness about TB among general patients was average. A lot of health education and awareness drive is necessary to impart knowledge regarding diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of TB, which is necessary for curbing the menace of TB from the society.

Tuberculosis: Awareness among Students in a Saudi University

Background: Knowledge plays a vital role in influencing the behavior and practices of individuals. Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem. Our objective is to identify the extent of awareness about TB among King Saud University students, and to compare knowledge about tuberculosis amongst different University tracks. Methods: This study was conducted using a cross-sectional approach including 530 students in three different academic tracks: Health, Scientific, and Humanitarian tracks. For data collection, a structured questionnaire was developed through revision of the literature which contained three different parts; demographic data of subjects, knowledge about TB and attitude toward TB. Results: The established scoring system revealed a poor grade of knowledge at 51.4%. Tuberculosis knowledge was significantly higher amongst the track of Health colleges (46.7% compared with 27.2% for the track of Science and 26% for the track of Humanitarian studies). However, some of the issues were answered fittingly in higher magnitude by the two other non-health tracks; there was no significant difference in gender-specific awareness level (48% for both). Conclusion: Although the Health track has better knowledge in general (46.7%), the level of awareness of Tuberculosis is poor among King Saud University students. Moreover, the level of awareness differs among the three tracks, which are health, humanitarian, and science. The health track showed the highest level of awareness.

Implementation of a new model for TB-care in a low endemic setting: A challenge in vain?

Aim and objectivesTo evaluate the implementation of an outpatient TB-clinic in a low-endemic setting. BackgroundIn May 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the post-2015 global tuberculosis (TB) strategy including the plan for elimination of TB in low-endemic countries. Sweden is a low-endemic country, but accepts large numbers of immigrants (e.g. 116,000 in 2013) and a majority from countries where TB is common.In order to prevent TB and ensure accessibility a new outpatient clinic for adults was initiated at a specialist hospital in a suburb of Gothenburg, Sweden, in February 2014. The population living in this suburd is overrepresented among the active cases of TB and in some subgroups the incidence is equal or even higher than in high-endemic countries. The objective is early detection and treatment of active disease and latent TB infection (LTBI) in a social medical perspective. MethodsA descriptive approach made from the experiences of the authors. ResultsThe TB-care in Gothenburg has, before 2014, been centralized to the university hospital. A political decision was taken in 2012, in line with the global TB strategy, to start an outpatient clinic where TB is overrepresented in the population. The decision was to be implemented through collaboration with all healthcare providers. The new clinic was aiming to promote redistribution of patients between the hospitals with an emphasis on accessibility for the patient. The decision was made without the involvement of management and clinical staff. As a result the clinic has solely been able to focus its care on finding LTBI and spreading knowledge and awareness of TB in high-risk groups. ConclusionA new approach of specialist healthcare is decentralization with emphasis on accessibility, improved preventive possibility and knowledge about the setting. This approach is well suited for TB elimination in order to target high-risk groups. The transition does not occur automatically, and commitment and knowledge is needed on every level in the healthcare system. A political basis is necessary, but for success and change the decision has to be established and anchored among management and healthcare staff. To treat TB-patients at an outpatient specialist clinic is economically beneficial and above all causes a positive effect on the patient’s psychosocial well-being and adherence to treatment. Unfortunately, the present infrastructure of TB-care in Sweden, as well as the will and knowledge of the staff to adapt and change according to the political decision, is preventing optimal care for TB-patients based on the global TB strategy for elimination. AcknowledgementNone to declare.

P184 Female Genital Tuberculosis: The Long Road To Diagnosis

Introduction Female genital tuberculosis (TB) is rarely encountered in the UK but early diagnosis and treatment can prevent significant morbidity. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all patients treated at our institution for female genital TB between 2004 and 2014. Data including demographics, symptoms, microbiological and histological diagnoses and treatment outcomes were recorded. Results 10 cases of female genital TB were identified. These account for approximately 0.71% of our TB cases, giving a local incidence of female genital TB of approximately 0.5/100,000 population. Mean age was 37.9 +/-14.3. Five patients were from Bangladesh, two from India and one from Pakistan, Cyprus and Somalia. Mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 24.3 months, range: 0–84. Presenting symptoms included infertility (50%), menorrhagia (10%), amenorrhoea (20%), irregular menstrual bleeding (40%), dyspareunia (20%), vaginal discharge (10%), post coital bleeding (10%) and lower abdominal pain (50%). Patients also experienced fevers (30%), night sweats (10%) and weight loss (10%). All patients had either a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy with biopsy of the endometrium in nine cases and the ovary in one case. Seven cases were found to have necrotising granuloma on biopsy of which two were positive for Ziehl-Neelson (ZN) staining, two were negative and three were not performed. Non-necrotising granuloma was seen in one case and histology was unrecorded for two cases but PCR was positive in both these biopsies. Samples were sent for culture in three cases and all had fully sensitive TB. All cases were treated with standard TB treatment. In two cases treatment is ongoing. One patient died from a co-existing condition. Seven patients completed treatment, of which four had full symptom resolution, two remain under the infertility team and one has ongoing abdominal pain. Median treatment duration was six months. Conclusion This case series highlights the delay in diagnosis and the significant morbidity – particularly infertility – experienced by patients with genital TB. Samples were frequently not sent for culture. Raising awareness of TB within obstetrics and gynaecology and highlighting the importance of considering TB in patients from high incidence countries may help reduce diagnostic delay for these women.

Tuberculosis knowledge and awareness in tribal-dominant districts of Jharkhand, India: implications for ACSM.

Forty hard-to-reach villages in the East and West Singhbhum Districts of Jharkhand State, India. To document knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis (TB) among the general population, understand gender differences and inform intervention activities for the improvement of TB control programmes in tribal-dominant hard-to-reach areas in India. A cross-sectional community-based survey was carried out among 825 respondents using population proportionate sampling. Most of the respondents were in the 18-35 years age group, tribal and married; 44% were illiterate. The study shows poor knowledge about TB symptoms, causes, modes of transmission and moderate awareness about government TB services. Correct knowledge about the cause of TB was negligible: half of the respondents reported local liquor as the cause, 61% considered TB as transmissible and one third considered sharing of food as the mode of transmission. Awareness about the availability of free treatment services at government health facilities was high, but awareness about DOTS was low. Significant gender differences were observed in knowledge and awareness levels. Study findings point to the importance of urgent intensification of culturally congruent and gender-sensitive advocacy, communication and social mobilisation activities.

English

BACKGROUND: India is the highest TB burden country accounting for nearly one fifth of the global incidence. The diagnosis and treatment of TB is made available free of cost by Government of India's Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). All TB patients registered in the RNTCP are treated under directly observed therapy (DOT). OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and awareness of Tuberculosis and DOTS among final year medical students and interns of a Government medical college in South India. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional questionnaire based survey was performed among 85 final year medical students and 76 interns. The Knowledge of participants regarding the diagnosis of TB, treatment and follow up under RNTCP was assessed and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Most of the students were aware of the current situation of TB in India and objectives of RNTCP. 33.5% participants could correctly state that a TB suspect with two negative smears should be subjected to chest X-ray. 57.8% participants opined that DOTS is equally effective as daily regimen. Only 37.3% students knew that family member cannot be a DOTS provider. CONCLUSION: This survey provides valuable information on the current levels of knowledge of undergraduate medical students. A moderate level of knowledge about tuberculosis and RNTCP was found among our study participants, which suggests innovative, effective active learning experiences to modify current scenario.

Taima (stop) TB: the impact of a multifaceted TB awareness and door-to-door campaign in residential areas of high risk for TB in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

BackgroundThe incidence rate of active tuberculosis (TB) disease in the Canadian Territory of Nunavut has shown a rising trend over the past 10 years. In 2010 it was 60 times greater than the national incidence rate. The objective of the Taima (translates to “stop” in Inuktitut) TB study was to implement and evaluate a public health campaign to enhance existing TB prevention efforts in Nunavut.MethodsA TB awareness campaign followed by a door-to-door screening campaign was carried out in Iqaluit, Nunavut. The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness about TB, and to provide in-home screening and treatment for people living in residential areas at high risk for TB. Screening was based on geographic location rather than on individual risk factors.ResultsDuring the general awareness campaign an increase in the number of people who requested TB testing at the local public health clinic was observed. However, this increase was not sustained following cessation of the awareness campaign. Targeted TB screening in high risk residential areas in Iqaluit resulted in 224 individuals having TSTs read, and detection of 42 previously unidentified cases of latent TB, (overall yield of 18.8% or number needed to screen = 5.3). These cases of latent TB infection (LTBI) were extra cases that had not been picked up by traditional screening practices (34% relative increase within the community). This resulted in a 33% relative increase in the completion of LTBI treatment within the community. The program directly and indirectly identified 5/17 new cases of active TB disease in Iqaluit during the study period (29.5% of all incident cases).ConclusionsWhile contact tracing investigations remain a cornerstone of TB prevention, additional awareness, screening, and treatment programs like Taima TB may contribute to the successful control of TB in Aboriginal communities.

'Complex' but coping: experience of symptoms of tuberculosis and health care seeking behaviours--a qualitative interview study of urban risk groups, London, UK.

BackgroundTuberculosis awareness, grounded in social cognition models of health care seeking behaviour, relies on the ability of individuals to recognise symptoms, assess their risk and access health care (passive case finding). There is scant published research into the health actions of ‘hard-to-reach’ groups with tuberculosis, who represent approximately 17% of the London TB caseload. This study aimed to analyse patients’ knowledge of tuberculosis, their experiences of symptoms and their health care seeking behaviours.MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with 17 participants, predominantly homeless and attending a major tuberculosis centre in London, UK. Most had complex medical and social needs including drug and alcohol use or immigration problems affecting entitlement to social welfare. Analytical frameworks aimed to reflect the role of broader social structures in shaping individual health actions.ResultsAlthough participants demonstrated some knowledge of tuberculosis their awareness of personal risk was low. Symptoms commonly associated with tuberculosis were either not recognised or were attributed to other causes for which participants would not ordinarily seek health care. Many accessed health care by chance and, for some, for health concerns other than tuberculosis.ConclusionsHealth education, based on increasing awareness of symptoms, may play a limited role in tuberculosis care for populations with complex health and social needs. The findings support the intensification of outreach initiatives to identify groups at risk of tuberculosis and the development of structured care pathways which support people into prompt diagnosis and treatment.

English

This study was carried out in 2009 to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of tuberculosis (TB) and its socio-demographic determinants in six selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A total of 1,200 respondents were selected from 6 Local Government Areas by multi-stage sampling technique and responses elicited from them by semi-structured, pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Awareness of tuberculosis was high (93%) among the households. Primary sources of information were radio (59.1%), community members (29.8%) and television (17.1%). Knowledge of tuberculosis disease was low, except for knowledge of TB symptoms (61.5%). Urban residents had better knowledge of TB than the rural respondents. Most of them believed that TB is curable and would opt for medical consultation, following suspicion of TB. Despite having relatively poorer knowledge of TB, rural communities were less likely to stigmatise against persons with TB (p = 0.000). Urban households had significantly better knowledge of TB and access to TB services (p = 0.000). Educational status of an individual and the spouse, literacy status and religion were significantly associated with TB-related knowledge, attitude and practice. Therefore, socio-demographic factors should be considered in subsequent behavioural changes communications in the country. &nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Perception, symptoms, transmission, determinants, Nigeria. &nbsp

Knowledge and awareness of Tuberculosis among Students of University of Kassala, Sudan

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem worldwide, as one third of the world population is infected with M. tuberculosis. It is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality and a major public health concern in Sudan.Objectives: to determine the awareness and knowledge of tuberculosis among students.Methods: Cross- sectional study was conducted among 395 students from different faculties of University of Kasasala. Self-administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: A total of 395 students responded to the questionnaire, 185(46.8%) were male and 210 (53.2%) were female. The overall view of the study is the poor knowledge of TB regarding the infectious agent 107(27.1%), Curability 58(14.7%), the period of treatment 58(14.7%) preventive measure and BCG as TB vaccine 64(16.2%). However, they were knowledgeable about the communicability 364(92.2%). Moreover the students were unaware of mode of transmission (91.2%) and the symptoms of TB (94.7%). Students understood that cough more than three weeks is the signs of TB 228(57.7%) and it is the route of transmission 320(81.0%).Conclusion: The findings highlighted poor knowledge and lack of awareness among students regarding the important aspects of TB. So intensive health education programs are required and included in the curriculum of faculties so as to contribute in the development of the community.Key words: Knowledge, awareness, Tuberculosis

Views of professional nurses regarding low tuberculosis cure rate in Greater Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province.

Management of patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB) after discharge from hospital plays a critical role in the cure rate of TB. Despite interventions developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve the cure rate, TB remains a worldwide health problem. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the views of professional nurses regarding the low TB cure rate in primary healthcare facilities of Greater Giyani Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa, with the aim of determining strategies that can be used to improve this low rate. This study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature. The population consisted of professional nurses working in primary healthcare facilities within Greater Giyani Municipality, which has a TB cure rate below the national target of 85%. Data gathering was through individual face-to-face interviews using an interview guide. Open-coding was used to analyse the data in this study. The theme that emerged from data was ‘factors contributing to low TB cure rate’. This theme was supported by the following sub-themes: poor referral system, lack of knowledge about TB and its treatment, stigma attached to TB, and cultural and religious beliefs. The professional nurses suggested counselling of TB patients upon diagnosis, advice about patients’ responsibilities and the involvement of family members. The involvement of community stakeholders in TB prevention, health promotion and education activities devoted to disease spread and cure is vital so that the stigma attached to TB can be eliminated. TB education and awareness programmes should be included in the curriculum of primary schools.

Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus: exploring stigma in a community in western Uganda

The threat of tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda cannot be considered in isolation from the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Stigma contributes to delays in seeking treatment and poor adherence for both TB and HIV patients. This study aims to assess and describe stigma and predictors of stigma related to TB and HIV in the population of western Uganda. This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study. A survey was administered to 360 individuals, randomly selected from one district in western Uganda. Participants were classified as low/high stigma based on weighted scores built from survey questions. Logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors for high stigma. Six focus groups were conducted to inform survey findings; themes were developed using content analysis. Twenty-six per cent of respondents were found to have stigmatising attitudes towards HIV and 47% towards TB. Multivariate logistic regression models included age, sex, marital status, education, residence and having a friend with HIV/TB. Those who had an HIV-positive friend were less likely to have high HIV stigma (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.23–0.72). Those with secondary education or more were half as likely to have high TB stigma (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.27–0.91). Focus group participants felt that “normalisation” of HIV has contributed to reduced HIV stigma, but there is still a fear of being recognised at the HIV clinic. TB stigma causes patients to remain silent instead of seeking care. Fear of TB is driven by the assumption that “TB means HIV”. Declining HIV stigma is encouraging but more effort needs to be made to improve confidentiality. TB stigma is high and is likely affecting care seeking behaviour; TB awareness campaigns should be a priority and emphasise the treatability and curability of TB, regardless of HIV status.

Tuberculosis awareness in Gezira, Sudan: knowledge, attitude and practice case-control survey

This case-control study aimed to assess tuberculosis (TB) awareness and its associated sociodemographic characteristics in Gezira, Sudan. New smear-positive TB patients registered in Gezira in 2010 (n = 425) and age-matched controls who attended the same health facilities for other reasons (n = 850) formed the study sample. Awareness was measured using a modified standard World Health Organization TB knowledge, attitude and practice instrument. There was no significant difference between TB cases and the controls in overall levels of TB awareness. About two-thirds of TB cases and controls had good TB awareness. Respondents' sex was associated with awareness among the controls. Age, level of education, type of residence and type of occupation were significantly associated with TB awareness, whereas marital status had no effect. The good level of TB awareness found among TB cases and controls is a baseline for further TB awareness-raising among the Gezira population.

Assessment of Bangladeshi Mothers’ Knowledge and Awareness on Childhood Tuberculosis: A Cross Sectional Study

Tuberculosis (TB) is a shocking problem for the least developed and low income country like Bangladesh caused by M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. africanum, and M. microti infection with ID50 1-10. Bangladesh holding the 6th position among the 22 countries with highest TB burden and the incidence per 100,000 people was 220 in 2008. Even there is no estimation on the prevalence of childhood TB and is severely under-diagnosed. A descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted to assess the mothers’ knowledge and awareness of TB and Childhood TB during September, 2013 to February, 2014 with the sample size 106. The study population was those, who came to outpatient department of the Bangladesh Government Homeopathic Medical College Hospital with age limit of between 18-35 years for treatment and had at least one child below five years. Among the respondents frustratingly 84% had no idea about childhood TB and they not even concerned about it where some of them said “Babies are the gift of Allah (God) and He has the responsibility to save the baby”. The analysis showed respondents’ with <25 years had more knowledge than >25 years age group (x2=1.91: P-value-0.l67). 55.3% Respondents had no idea about where to diagnose TB and the respondents with high literacy rate had significantly more knowledge about TB and Childhood TB than illiterate (x2=4.050: P-value-0.04). Analysis also showed housewives had relatively poor knowledge about TB and childhood TB (x2=0.0 19; P-value-0.891) and having income >9,000 taka/month had significantly more knowledge about TB and Childhood TB (x2=27.786; P-value-0.00l). The study findings suggested that the strategy of TB control should be more effective and target oriented than the other countries and should make a health intervention policy for Bangladesh to manage the infectious diseases.

Knowledge of causative agent of tuberculosis among TB patients in Jaipur district (Rajasthan)

Background: Tuberculosis is known since ages and its causative agent was discovered eight to nine decades ago and still misconception is present regarding its cause in India. India is facing TB epidemic at present. Objective: To assess the knowledge of Tuberculosis in patients regarding causative agent of the disease. Results: Total 300 TB patients participated in the study, 75% were male and 25% were female, 60% were married and 25% were unmarried 15% were widow or widower, 77% were Hindu and 22% were Muslims, 49% were literate and 51%were illiterate, 59% patients belonged to social class IV. 56% of patients knew the causative organism, 72% of the female don’t know the causative agent. 71% to 73% literate patients knew about the causative agent. Evil eye (56%), past sins (52%) was main myths as cause of TB. Lower socio economic class had more myths about the causative agent (23% in class IV) (58% in class V). Conclusion: In poor country like India emphasis must be paid regarding awareness of tuberculosis among poor and low socioeconomic group people and patient. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Knowledge, Myth

Awareness of tuberculosis among patients attending rntcp at siddhartha medical college ,vijayawada

Background : Tuberculosis is one of India's major public healt h problems. According to WHO estimates, India has the world's largest tuberculosis epidemic. Public a wareness about its causative organism, modes of spr ead, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention plays an impor tant role in TB control. The present study was carr ied out to assess awareness of Tuberculosis among patients att ending tertiary care hospital (Siddhartha Medical C ollege) Methodology : A cross sectional observational study was conduct ed among 100 patients taking treatment at Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada using a preformed questionnaire. The questionnaire contains soc iodemographic variables such as age, sex, religion, l iteracy status, and knowledge about symptoms, mode of transmission, aetiology, Investigations, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis Results : Out of these 100 Patients 97% were aware that Tuberculosis is an infectious d isease. Regarding symptoms only 69% identified cough more than 2 weeks as an important warning sign for Tuber culosis. Regarding investigations only 69% were aware that sputum test was done for diagnosis of Tuberculosis. Only 60% knew DOTS as treatment for Tuberculosis. Only 56% were aware that Tuberculosis is most common in HIV individuals. Conclusion : The current study revealed that although awareness regarding certain basic aspect o f tuberculosis was adequate; however there is a gre at need to improve awareness about the symptoms and treatment of tuberculosis.

The impact of mass media interventions on tuberculosis awareness, health-seeking behaviour and health service utilisation: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. Strategies to curb the spread of TB must match the multifaceted nature of the epidemic. The...